The government has started rolling out improved livestock breeds in Busoga after a long delay, with Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga accusing officials of diverting animals from the sub-region and stalling a programme meant to boost household incomes and food security.
The government has officially begun distributing improved breeds of poultry, goats, pigs and cattle to farmers in the Busoga sub-region in a renewed push to raise livestock productivity and combat household poverty.
The long-awaited exercise was launched in Kamuli District by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, who expressed anger over what she described as unnecessary delays and diversion of resources originally intended for Busoga.
The programme, implemented through Kasolwe Government Stock Farm under the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), was first proposed seven years ago but only commenced this year despite earlier approval and funding.
The launch took place at Kamuli Township Primary School, where 50,000 improved poultry birds were handed over to 139 farmers’ groups.
Officials said the birds are disease-resistant and have higher egg productivity, making them a more reliable source of income for farmers.
Kasolwe Stock Farm Manager Daniel Epinyu said the first phase of the rollout will also see improved breeds of pigs, goats, bulls and hybrid cattle distributed across Kamuli, Luuka and Buyende districts.
He said animals earmarked for distribution include 20 bulls, 130 pigs and 185 goats.
Addressing farmers at the launch, Kadaga revealed that although President Yoweri Museveni approved the revitalisation of Kasolwe Stock Farm several years ago, some government officials diverted livestock meant for Busoga to other regions.
“Some officials decided to make this project a national one, yet our first proposal was strictly for Busoga. They diverted the animals to other regions, especially Western Uganda,” Kadaga said.
She added that she had spent seven years repeatedly reminding the President about the stalled project, blaming bureaucratic interference for the delay.
“It is long overdue. I kept pushing because this is literally my project. Unfortunately, officials were using the Kamuli District Veterinary Officer to issue permits to move animals from Kasolwe Stock Farm to Western Uganda,” she said.
Epinyu welcomed the rollout, saying the livestock breeds have been developed to perform well under local conditions.
He added that the programme will later be expanded to other districts in the subregion and will include additional components such as the distribution of fish fingerlings to farmers in wetland areas.
“Busoga has many wetlands, so we shall help farmers engage in fish farming as well,” Epinyu said.
Kadaga said the revitalisation of Kasolwe Stock Farm and the broader livestock distribution programme could be a game changer for Busoga, significantly improving food security, incomes and agricultural productivity.
She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the programme is fully implemented and sustained.
The rollout marks the start of what leaders say is a renewed government effort to revive Busoga’s livestock sector and equip farmers with improved breeds to strengthen livelihoods across the subregion.